February 29/12 8:58 am - UCI Works to Save Spanish WorldTour Races

Posted by Editor on 02/29/12

The economic difficulties facing Spain are impacting three major races, all on the WorldTour: Volta Ciclista a Catalunya, Volta Ciclista al Pais Vasco and Clasica Ciclista San Sebastian. All three events are facing financial shortfalls, and the UCI has begun to work with the organizations to develop plans to sustain the races. The UCI has a WorldTour Reserve Fund, which was deployed in 2011 for the GP Ouest France de Plouay.

UCI President Mr Pat McQuaid declared, “In this very difficult economic context facing the organizers, the cycling world expects the structures put in place by the UCI to be capable of providing a concrete contribution to the movement as a whole. I can guarantee that we are working all-out, and that despite the fact that the resources at our disposal are fairly limited, we will do all we can to offer our support to the organisers."

“Although it is true that the globalization of cycling is our strategic priority,” added Mr McQuaid, “the roots and traditions of this fantastic sport are what make it so rich and we must be capable of preserving them."

“Among its other prerogatives, the UCI also deals with these very important aspects that are linked to the stability and economic reinforcement of the professional sector,” the UCI President concluded. “I therefore hope that the UCI will once again be able to contribute to finding a solution.”